Share:

With Fall just around corner there will soon be a chill in the air. A wood-burning stove is an excellent addition to the home. However, it can pose serious dangers if you don’t know how to use it. Although your homeowners insurance policy might cover any resulting damages, the consequences of a house fire could be devastating. Here, the team at Farmers Mutual of Tennessee in Knoxville shares a few tips for burning wood safely at home. 

Do:

Ensure proper venting.

Most wood stove-related fires originate inside the venting system. Make sure the stove has a proper venting system connecting it to an approved chimney. The vent pipe should be made of insulated stovepipe—24-gauge or heavier)—and should not have more than two right angles. Additionally, it should not pass through a floor, wall, or ceiling. 

Dispose of ashes appropriately.

Since the ashes from your stove can contain embers, it is essential to dispose of them safely. Put the ashes in a closed metal container that is kept outside and only scoop them out of the stove after the fire has been extinguished. 

Don’t:

Leave the fire unattended.

homeowners insuranceA cozy, crackling fire can send embers into the air. These embers do not pose much of a hazard when you are present, but if they ignite something while no one is around to put it out, a house fire is inevitable. Some insurance carriers may challenge the claim if it is learned that the stove was left unattended claim.  

Start fires using flammable fluids.

If you want to build a roaring fire in a matter of minutes, it may be tempting to douse the wood with gasoline first. However, homeowners insurance agents insist that this is incredibly dangerous and only increases the chance of a house fire breaking out. For optimum safety, never put anything but wood in the stove. 

By following these suggestions, you may avoid damages that can result in a large homeowners insurance claim. For more information on protecting your property, get in touch with the team at Farmers Mutual of Tennessee. Since 1913, they have provided quality home and farm insurance coverage at an affordable price to residents throughout the state. Their local independent agent will help you find the right coverage for your home, mobile home, rental dwelling, or farm at a price that suits your budget. Give them a call at (800) 824-9555 or visit them online for more information on home insurance.

tracking